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"The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people."
Cesar Chavez

:: Friday, June 17, 2005 ::

State curious about injured bridge worker - By Jill Tucker, Daily Review Online, CA While KFM's posted safety record shows a work site that is five times safer than average heavy construction projects, more than 20 current and former workers have alleged management gave cash bonuses to crews posting clean safety records. Workers further alleged that those who complained about injuries or unsafe conditions were subject to retaliation or termination, although they lost a layoff arbitration in the matter.

Meanwhile, a Cal-OSHA June 2004 report found Bay Bridge welders were knowingly exposed to manganese and other welding fumes that exceeded state standards over the course of a year. Excessive exposure to manganese fumes is believed to be linked to neurological damage. More than 40 welders have sued KFM and welding rod manufacturers.

Yet against this backdrop, Cal-OSHA consistently has vouched for the safety record on the project.